SENIOR SAFEPLAN ADVOCATE

Job Details

Job Location

YWCA Central Massachusetts - Worcester, MA

Education Level

4 Year Degree

Salary Range

$25.51 - $25.51 Hourly

Travel Percentage

Negligible

Job Shift

Day

Job Category

Nonprofit - Social Services

Description

As a Senior SAFEPLAN Court Advocate you will represent the YWCA of Central Massachusetts, its mission and vision to the general public and professional groups and individuals. Provide victims of domestic violence the following support in a court-based setting: information on safety planning; explanation of the legal process involved in obtaining and maintaining M.G.L. c.209A protective orders and other legal options; accompaniment into the courtroom and in-court advocacy; and information and referrals to community resources available to victims of domestic violence. Help train new advocates, conduct one-on-one supervision to SAFEPLAN advocates and provide support to community seeking information regarding the SAFEPLAN program. Act as liaison between SAFEPLAN and the community. This position is expected to provide coverage to different courts as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide extra support to courts as needed

• Conduct one-on-one supervision to SAFEPLAN court advocates

• Manages coverage by floating throughout SAFPLAN courts

• Assist Supervisor in Recruiting staff/interns, collection, and reporting of all relevant monthly statistics

• Provide court-based advocacy services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and their families

• Provide confidential and comprehensive direct services to victims who come to court seeking protection from abuse

• Provide support, referrals, and empowerment advocacy to victims of domestic violence who are in the court system

• Provide information regarding the judicial system, both criminal and civil

• Appear in court and advocate on behalf of the client with representatives of law enforcement, prosecution, and court

• Assist with arrangements for additional legal services

• Assess participants’ needs

• Assess lethality of participants’ situation

• Assist client with adaptation and development of safety plan

• Maintain and report statistical measurements as required

• Maintain documentation as required

• Refer/advocate victims to community resources as necessary

• Maintain current knowledge of domestic violence

• Other duties and tasks as assigned by Manager/Director

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field such as Human Services/Criminal Justice, Counseling, or Social Services

• Minimum of 2 years SAFEPLAN certification required

• Experience in domestic violence intervention preferred

• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred

• Proficient computer skills

• Ability to make community presentations

• Ability to advocate on behalf of victims

• Ability to perform calmly in crisis situations

• Training and experience in crisis intervention counseling preferred

• Ability to travel

• Valid MA driver’s license

Survivors of domestic or sexual violence, people of color, people with disabilities, people who are bilingual/bicultural, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

YWCA is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer.